Dedrick Sims (he/his)

Sims-Fayola Foundation CEO

Dr. Dedrick Sims currently serves as the CEO of the Sims-Fayola Foundation. Their mission is to improve the life outcomes of young men of color through direct programming and catalyzing systems change by addressing root causes of educational inequities and institutional barriers. Dr. Sims’ career in urban education began in a high school classroom over 20 years ago as a substitute and has since served in the roles of a teacher, school leadership, district leadership and school founder. Dr. Sims’ commitment to education extends outside the classroom as well. As a published author of three books and numerous professional articles, Dr. Sims uses his experience to build the capacity of others to serve students with informed excellence. As part of his role at the Sims-Fayola Foundation, Dr. Sims’ provides professional training to educators around the country in areas of single-gender learning, working with young men and boys of color, and school and program design through an equity lens. Dedrick's community involvement includes serving on several Colorado gubernatorial state commissions and councils, as well as serving on two Mayoral councils focused on youth development in Denver and Aurora. Dedrick has also been selected by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of the national 100 Modern BE Men of 2018 , Sisters Enterprise "Random Acts of Kindness" 2020 honoree, and one of the African Americans Who Make A Difference for 2021. Dedrick has served his country as an officer in the United States Army and is a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity member, Inc.

Arvian Harper (she/her)

Sims-Fayola Foundation Chief Operating Officer

I'm all about soaking up knowledge, and I've been diving into the world of education for over 15 years. Yep, I'm that person who loves to learn and help others do the same. As a servant leader and a change agent, I'm all about shaking things up to build systems that work for everyone. Let's challenge the norm, right?

Here's a fun twist: I'm not just your education enthusiast. I'm also a certified yoga instructor and a mindfulness-based stress reduction leader. Mental wellness is my jam! When I'm not wearing my educator or mindfulness hat, you'll find me chilling with my high school sweetheart-turned-hubby. We've got two amazing kiddos and a whole bunch of pets keeping our lives interesting.

Life's a journey, and I'm here to make sure it's a good one, especially for students of color who often get the short end of the stick in our education system. Let's make a positive impact together!

Markell Lucas (he/him)

Sims-Fayola Foundation Director of Professional Learning

I'm originally from Detroit, Michigan, and I've spent some time living in Flint too, which has had a big impact on who I am. Detroit, though, holds a special place in my heart - it's like my home base, and Flint played a significant role in shaping who I've become.​

In my free time, you'll catch me playing a lot of basketball and keeping up with sports on TV. I'm also into staying fit and diving into some good books. I really dig reads that focus on self-improvement and education.

I'm super dedicated to the meaningful work happening at Sims-Fayola. Our mission is all about changing up how society sees young men of color, and that mission really fires up my passion for the impactful work we're doing.

Vizier LuQman (he/him)

Sims-Fayola Foundation Community and Corporate Partnerships Manager

Born and raised in the vibrant Five Points of Denver, I'm all about that rich Black culture shaping who I am.

For the past 10 years, I've been all in, serving and advocating for at-promise youth. It's my thing – creating environments that enrich and empower our young minds. Now, besides my gig at Sims Fayola, you'll catch me either coaching or hitting the basketball court myself. Oh, and managing my baby – the Place of Peace Cancer Foundation. And let's not forget, I'm a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

Fun fact – got myself an honorary doctorate in Metaphysics, diving deep into spirituality, divinity, and positive thinking. Yeah, I've done some seriously focused research on that front. My mission? To make a splash of peace and positivity in this world, especially when it comes to uplifting the next generation of young Black Kings and Queens. Ase!

Heather Taussig (she/her)

National Mentoring Resource Center Research Board Member; Professor; Program Director, Fostering Healthy Futures, University of Denver and Kempe Center (University of Colorado)

Dr. Heather Taussig is a professor with joint appointments at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work and the Kempe Center, University of Colorado. Trained as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Taussig’s research focuses on developing and testing prevention programming for young people who have experienced maltreatment and child welfare involvement. She developed and directs the Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) program, an evidence-based mentoring and skills training program that was tested through three rigorous randomized controlled trials. FHF has demonstrated reductions in mental health symptoms (including trauma symptoms and suicidality), delinquency, juvenile justice involvement, placement changes, and residential treatment. Since 2002, through both the Kempe Center and community-based agencies, FHF has served over 1,000 children, adolescents, and their families, and trained 450 undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students. Dr. Taussig’s prevention and policy-relevant research has received over $10 million in federal, state, and foundation funding, resulting in 80 publications and 200 invited talks and conference presentations. She has served on numerous community collaboratives, national research review panels, and federally-funded training programs. Dr. Taussig’s many honors include: receiving the 2004 Outstanding Young Professional in the Field of Child Abuse and Neglect award from the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect; an appointment to Colorado’s Task Force on Foster Care by Governor Ritter in 2007; serving as a member of the Research Board of the National Mentoring Resource Center for a decade; and receiving a 2021 Fulbright Scholar Award to conduct research at Cardiff University in Wales, UK.

Shari Collins (she/her)

Shari Collins Consulting, Owner and Lead Consultant

Shari Collins’ career spans across education, mentoring, HR, and DEI. As an independent consultant, Shari enjoys speaking and training across the globe! Working for the National Education Association, she facilitates courses for educators. She is a TA Consultant with MENTOR Nebraska (3 years) and is completing her first year on the CMWS Team. In 2024, Shari was named an Honored Listee in Marquis Who’s Who biographical listing, and she is a published author of a chapter on "Inclusion" with the Council of Chief State School Officers for the "Parent Ready" book series.

She graduated from Hastings College and from the University of Nebraska Omaha. Shari loves reading and learning, caring for her plants, traveling, spending time with her family (and 2 rescue Yorkie sisters).

Shari is serving her 3rd year with the Omaha Chamber's CODE (Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity, and Equity) Planning Team, and she is a Board Member for HRAM (Human Resource Association of the Midlands) and is the co-chair of the HRAM DEI Committee. Shari is also a national facilitator for Open Sesame’s DEI Club, and is the DEI Director for HR-Nebraska State Council, an affiliate of SHRM. She also loves facilitating Real Colors workshops!

Shari had 4 international speaking engagements in 2024: San Jose, Costa Rica; Lisbon, Portugal; University of Cambridge, England; Galway, Ireland. She has presented several years at the National Mentoring Summit in Washington DC and will be presenting there in January 2025.

Ali Welch (she/her)

The Buddy Program, Development Director

Ali has dedicated the past eight years to working with the non-profit sector, gaining extensive experience in both programmatic and development roles. She currently serves as the Development Director for The Buddy Program, a youth mentoring organization that has been supporting youth and families in the Roaring Fork Valley for over 50 years. Ali is passionate about enriching communities through meaningful connections and experiences, emphasizing the importance of relationship building and storytelling in her role. Ali holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado State University, where she majored in Environmental Sociology and minored in International Development and Global Environmental Sustainability, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the social and environmental factors that influence community health. As a Colorado native, Ali has a deep connection to nature, which she enjoys through skiing, biking, hiking, and camping. Above all, she cherishes experiencing the world through the eyes of her three-year-old twin boys, who inspire her daily. Ali's commitment to fostering strong community ties and her love for the natural world are evident in how she shows up in both her professional and personal life.

Allison Alexander (she/her)

Aspen Community Foundation, Director of Strategic Partnerships

Allison has spent over two decades working to better understand inequity and improve outcomes for all humans. She is a passionate advocate for social justice and believes that communities are strengthened and healed through authentic relationships and brave conversations. Over the course of her career, she has explored social change work from various perspectives, beginning with over a decade supporting academic research at The Ohio State University after obtaining a Masters of Library and Information Science degree. Seeking to move from research to action, she served as the Director of Early Childhood Initiatives at a public-private nonprofit, connecting stakeholders from local government, and national corporations with early childhood providers. She arrived in the Roaring Fork Valley in 2019 and served as the Children's Librarian at the Pitkin County Library. After completing the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Graduate Program at the University of Colorado Denver, she found her way to the Aspen Community Foundation in 2022 where she approaches her work with philanthropists, nonprofits, and other stakeholders with curiosity and compassion, often acting as a bridge connecting resources to need.

Val Ponce Nájera (they/them/elle)

LGBTIQ2S educator, inclusive language in Spanish expert and founder of Aliadxs LLC

Val Ponce Nájera's work exists at the intersection of cultural relevance, language and education for their community. They have over 8 years of experience bridging gaps of understanding and bringing inclusivity to the Latinx community in ways that resonate with their culture.

Dr. Asia Lyons (she/her)

CEO, Lyons Educational Consulting

Dr. Asia Lyons is the founder and lead designer at Lyons Educational Consulting (LEC) LLC. In partnership with communities, organizations, and schools, Lyons Educational Consulting supports co-creating truly inclusive environments that assist youth and Black educators toward self-actualization through creating wellness spaces. Dr. Lyons was a K-12 educator in the Denver Metro Area as well as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado - Denver School of Education and Human Development. In addition, she has served as the school partner specialist working with schools and other non-profits across the Denver Metro Area to provide communities with resources to help close the access gap for Black children and children of Color. Dr. Lyons has a doctorate in Leadership for Educational Equity. Her research focuses on how racism-related stress and racial battle fatigue impact Black educators and families. She co-founded and co-facilitates the Black Educator Wellness Cohort, conducting free monthly wellness sessions in the Denver Metro Area. Dr. Lyons has shared her insights at prestigious platforms such as SXSW EDU, Harvard Graduate School of Education, The State of Black Learning, and the National Board of Certified Counselors Symposium, raising awareness about the well-being of Black educators. Finally, Dr. Lyons is the co-host of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, a podcast that amplifies the lived experience of former Black educators. The podcast hopes to inform school district administrators, teachers' unions, families, educators, and others interested in understanding the challenges of retaining Black people in education.

Dr. Eleonora Cahill (she/her)

Executive Director, Resilient Futures

Eleonora Cahill, Ed.M., Ph.D. is the founder of Pilar Consulting Services and co-founder and executive director of Resilient Futures, an organization that cultivates radically inclusive, compassionate, and empowered communities through trauma-informed, equity-centered work designed to drive sustainable change.

Dr. Cahill has worked with trauma-impacted families and communities for over 25 years, first as a teacher, then as Director of a non-profit, and finally as a psychologist. Ellie passionately believes in the resiliency of the human spirit, the tenacity of community, and the unsurpassed capacity for healing. Ellie holds a strong anti-oppression lens and is committed to addressing race-based and cultural disparities in the community.

Vicki Scott (she/her)

Aurora Mental Health & Recovery, Manager Aurora Youth Options

Growing up and completing her early education in the Denver metro area during the start of public school bussing, Vicki Scott learned first-hand the impact of school and community engagement. Early in her career, she was the youth worker knocking on doors to encourage participation in neighborhood events and activities, and it was these face-to-face meetings which taught her the importance of making a real connection with youth, families and community. These early experiences built her foundation and helped her maintain her commitment and integrity over 20 plus years of success and innovation in non-profit youth program management. Vicki understands the evolving needs of youth and adult mentors. She has had great success managing external and internal risk associated with youth mentoring programs. She is a certified and skilled Trainer of Trainers with strong knowledge of appropriate learning philosophies and individual learning styles. Over the years the foundational elements of D.E.I. and our relation to our own intersectionality have been a point of development. Vicki has worked to support matches with foundational understanding of D.E.I. elements, equipping mentors with the basics of seeking to understand. With grace for self and others we can learn and relearn together. She is currently the program manager for Aurora Youth Options (AYO), prevention programming with Aurora Mental Health and Recovery. AYO has received many accolades, including Top 50 Mentioning Programs in the Country, and AYO holds the NQMS GOLD badge.

Angela Sillas-Green, LPC, is a dedicated counselor and trainer with over 17 years of experience in behavioral health and prevention education. Since 2015, Angela has navigated diverse roles, from nonprofits and schools to her thriving private practice, Creating Change Counseling & Education, in Pueblo, CO, where she provides therapy, training, and consulting. She specializes in trauma, empowerment, relationships, and life transitions, with a focus on serving people of color. Angela has extensive experience in the mentoring field, both as a direct service provider and through her recent consulting role with the Fostering Healthy Futures Mentoring Program at the Kempe Center on the CU Anschutz campus. Her work has expanded the program's reach throughout Southern Colorado, enhancing support for youth and their mentors by establishing new host sites. Angela's commitment to professional development and community advocacy is demonstrated through her various roles and contributions. She has presented at community, state, and national conferences, developed domestic violence courses for the Colorado Counseling Association (CCA), and served in impactful board roles at the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) and CCA. Angela is also deeply involved with Pueblo County Communities That Care (CTC) as the Youth Involvement Chair and serves as a Positive Youth Development (PYD) trainer for Pueblo County, underscoring her lasting impact on mental health advocacy, victim services, and youth development, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Katie Garcia Martinez (she/her)

The Buddy Program Mentoring Program Coordinator

Hi everyone! My name is Katie Garcia and I am a Mentoring Program Coordinator with the Buddy Program. I am coming up on three years with the organization and I couldn’t be more grateful for the work I’ve been able to do, and the wonderful youth I have met along the way. I grew up in the Roaring Fork Valley, and while I love the beautiful mountains that surround me I have never forgotten my family’s culture. My parents immigrated to the U.S. in the late 80’s, and while they built a life for themselves here, they never forgot their homeland. I was raised to speak both English and Spanish fluently, and I am so grateful I can speak to family and my community in our shared language.
I graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder back in 2021 with two Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science Ethnic Studies. My passion for supporting my people is what inspired me to return to the community I was born and raised in and support the next generation through the Buddy Program. My passion for social justice work has inspired me to embrace all facets of my identity. I consider myself a late bloomer, since I didn’t fully accept I was queer until last year. It’s been the most liberating experience to not only come out to people I was closest to, but to cherish this part of who I am. I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Bri Sanchez (she/her)

The Buddy Program Mentoring Program Coordinator

Howdy everyone! My name is Bri and I’m a Denver native who grew up in El Paso, Texas. I moved back to the Denver metro area to finish high school and after many years of juggling work and school- I graduated with a BA in Sociology from the University of Colorado Denver. In 2020, I made my way to the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley and got my start working in non-profits during the summer of 2021. It’s been a passion of mine ever since. I now work as a Mentoring Program Coordinator for The Buddy Program. There are parts of my life that motivate me daily to utilize my voice to advocate with others who have faced oppression and/or marginalization in the same ways I have. I’m a woman, I’m from the Latin community, I grew up in a low socioeconomic status household, I’m part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and I have faced different forms of trauma. There are also parts of my life that motivate me to utilize my privilege to uplift the voices of others who have not been historically heard. I am cisgendered, my first language is English, I live in a country that is congruent to my citizenship, and I do not have any diverse abilities. It’s also important to mention that there are people within my life that ignite my passion to further my allyship within different communities, those being: migrant communities and the diverse ability community.

Yogita Tahilram (she/her)

MENTOR, Digital Content and Engagement Manager

Yogita is the Manager of Digital Content and Engagement with the MENTOR team, and her passion for communications, people, and working for social change led her to this role.

She spent her life growing up between South Africa and India, learning French and Spanish, and pursuing her love for content creation and digital marketing. She has worked in different fields such as education, insurance, public relations, and youth-led non-profits.

Yogita holds a master’s degree in management from Duke University and is excited that her work allows her to engage with and build inclusive communities through supporting the mentoring movement.

In her free time, Yogita loves to read, doodle, and spend time outdoors.

Tim Wills  (he/him)

MENTOR, Chief Impact Officer

Tim drives strategy, coordination, integration, and effectiveness of MENTOR’s teams focused in the areas of training and technical assistance; product design, development and ongoing usage; field research and evaluation; strategic partnerships and systems innovation; and Affiliate partnership, support, effectiveness, sustainability, and expansion.

A native of Ferguson, Mo., Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. As a college student, he developed his passion for youth by covering human interest stories as on-air talent for his college television and radio stations which led to a 17-year career in youth development, including at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Chicago, the District of Columbia, and Harford County, Md. In 2016, because of his extensive experience in organizational transformation and increasing club membership, quality improvement, innovative programming and funding, Tim was named the CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama. In this role over the last six years, Tim led twelve year-round sites, three summer only programs, a 150-acre campground, and POINTE Academy, a school for detained and adjudicated youth.

He’s received several honors and awards, including Boys & Girls Clubs Professional of the Year for his leadership, Mobile Bay 40 Under 40, and Benjamin Mays Excellence in Mentoring Award. Tim is an active member of the Lion’s Club and a member of the board of directors for Voices for Alabama’s Children and Linking All So Others Succeed (LASOS) in Maryland. He’s completed executive-level training in leadership, non-profit management, and advanced philanthropy from Harvard Business School, Stanford University, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. For 12 years, Tim has been a single foster parent and has fostered over 20 children. He also has spent significant time teaching in VolunTourism trips to Haiti.

Thomas R. Wilson (he/him/his)

R&H Creative Advocacy and Storytelling LLC/ Owner Operator

Thomas R Wilson is a professional Advocate, Writer, Consultant, Business Owner, and Sensory Friendly Event Specialist. His work is centered around an empathic and person-first mindset that works to empower and uplift community voices. His work is inspired by his own personal experiences within his life as a member of the neuro-diverse and mental health community.

Carlo Kriekels (he/him)

Co-founder & CEO, YESS Institute

Carlo was born in Belgium and is a first-generation American Citizen. Carlo taught leadership and emotional intelligence skills in Europe. In 2001, he co-founded YESS Institute in order to bring the benefits of emotional intelligence skills to youth and role models. 23 years later, YESS has served 10,000 students. As YESS’ CEO, Carlo has trained over 5,000 youth and role models at national, regional, and local conferences, including at MENTOR’s National Mentoring Symposium in DC. He has been one of the key leaders in the creation of the statewide agency MENTOR Colorado.

Carlo is one of lead curriculum developers of the nationally recognized Forums: “Youth Outreach Project – Bridging the Gap: Cops and Kids”.
Kriekels is the author of the audio course and e-book: “The 9 Key Components of Peer Mentoring.” He received the 2011 “Heavy Lifting Award” from the Denver Mayor’s Office for Education and Children. Kriekels accepted the 2016 My Brother’s Keeper Award from Mayor Michael Hancock for work with young men of color. In 2021, he was recognized by Titan100 as one of Colorado’s top 100 CEO’s for exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. The Belgian Ambassador to the United States nominated Kriekels in 2022 for the prestigious Christoffel Plantin award highlighting Belgians who elevate the prestige of Belgium abroad.

Carlo lives in Denver with his wife, two sons and their Wheaten Terrier. In his free time, he enjoys cycling over and across the Colorado Rockies.

Preston Adams, MA (he/him)

Love and Liberation Founder and CEO

Preston is from Aurora, CO, and has a strong love and passion for Aurora, Denver, and all of Colorado. Preston has lived into various professional roles for nearly 20 years, from tutor, teacher/educator, coach, mentor, transition/re-entry specialist, program director, regional director, co-founder, and consultant. All of Preston's professional experiences have centered on gang and/or system-involved young people throughout the Denver-Metro Area and the entire state of Colorado. Currently, Preston is a local and national consultant aiding non-profits and government entities with an emphasis on organizational culture, management, youth violence prevention/intervention, gang and system-involved young people, leadership development, systemic reform, belonging, restoration, transformation, and deep equity. Preston continues to provide mentorship and re-entry services to system-involved youth and young adults. In everything Preston does, he seeks to center, empower, and elevate the voices, experiences, and stories of youth and families who find themselves furthest on the margins with hopes of bringing about systemic and long-standing change.

Courtney Rawson (she/her)

Eagle County Program Manager - SOS Outreach

Courtney is the Eagle County Program Manager at SOS Outreach, overseeing an outdoor-based mentor program with around 220 youth and 70 adults. She is passionate about using the outdoors, particularly ski and snowboard programs to connect youth to positive adults in the community. Her favorite part of working at SOS is getting to see youth grow from middle school through high school and beyond.

Susan Duncombe (she/her)

Wholehearted Consulting, LLC; Founder/Consultant

Susan Duncombe is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Wholehearted Consulting, LLC. She holds a Master of Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is Dare to LeadTM trained and is a Predictive Index Certified Partner. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Susan has worn many hats ranging from intern, volunteer, bilingual therapist, program staff, operations staff, executive leader, and board member. She knows the ins and outs of working within and running an organization. She has also led organizations through mergers, and understands the strengths and also the challenges of combining forces especially related to organizational structure and culture. In 2020, she started Wholehearted Consulting - to bring her wholehearted self to social sector leaders and organizations that would benefit from her skills and expertise in order to have greater impact.

Brandon Leake

Angela Maher (she/her)

Save Our Youth Education Manager

Angela has always had a passion for working with people in general and empowering youth specifically. She obtained her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a minor in Criminal Justice. Upon moving to Denver in 2012, she began working in various group homes and shelters for teens. She also worked with adults and families who were
experiencing homelessness and gained a lot of valuable de-escalation skills while answering Colorado’s state-wide crisis line. Angela transitioned into the mentoring world with Save Our Youth in 2015 and in her time there has been a Case Manager, Program Director, and is currently serving as the Education Manager. One of her greatest joys has been walking alongside young people she matched with a mentor in middle school and continuing to support
them through now graduating with their bachelor's degree. In her free time, Angela enjoys catching up with friends or getting out in the beauty of Colorado.

Ericka Porter (she/her)

Rise Up Training & Consulting CEO & Lead Consultant/Trainer

A proud Aurorite, Ericka Porter has eagerly worked to develop and inspire future generations early on in life. After graduating from Southeastern University, studying Youth Ministry, Ericka has come alongside urban and under-served students in various roles over the last 25 years. Her various professional roles have included leadership and advocacy in youth-serving non-profits, mentoring program design and management within
public education, leading DEI efforts and education, and full-time urban ministry.

Ericka currently serves as a technical assistance provider for Mentor Colorado with expertise in staff and mentor training, program evaluation and design, DEI implementation, and Gen Z engagement. Ericka lends her voice as a speaker and facilitator for various organizations such as Urban Youth Ministries, African-American Young Ladies Summit, the MomCo., Colorado Uplift, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, and DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative.

In 2022, Ericka took a significant leap to use her professional experience and passion to start Rise Up Training & Consulting, a company focused on supporting youth-serving organizations through effective collaboration, professional development, and program design. She deeply believes “there is no such thing as other people’s children”, inviting everyone into the collective responsibility for the young people in our communities.

Ericka’s presence brightens rooms and leaves you feeling seen and known. Her experience in speaking, facilitating, and workshop leadership has opened up opportunities to advocate for and champion the causes she loves. Some fun facts about Ericka, she is the oldest of 4 sisters, a sushi lover, a self-professed book hoarder, and relational at heart.

Dawn Chisholm (she/her)

Director of Community Mission AZ

Dawn has worked with young people for 25+ years in various areas, including childcare, afterschool programs, educational, preschool, church, and various community organizations. She holds a bachelor's degree in human services and a master's degree in education with an emphasis on training. She has provided tutoring services for elementary students and has also instructed college courses like social and ethical responsibility. Through community mission, she works with youth ages 5 to 13 to empower them to be the best version of themselves. The goal is for them to find their own self-worth and learn that they are valuable and important.

Kimberly Muhammad (she/her)

Zuri’s Circle Director, Together Building Youth - Collaborator

Kimberly Muhammad is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Zuri’s Circle, bringing over 12 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. With a strong focus on youth leadership and life coaching, Kimberly is dedicated to empowering young people through educational programs in gardening and the Be Powerful initiatives. Her positive attitude, commitment to ongoing skill development, and tireless energy serve as an inspiration, motivating others to work hard, embrace new challenges, and believe in their potential to succeed. Driven by the daily inspiration of her husband and their five entrepreneurial children, Kimberly balances her professional endeavors with her passion for coaching basketball, volunteering with other nonprofits, and spending quality time with her family. Her multifaceted approach to leadership and community service makes her a pivotal figure in fostering growth and empowerment within her community.

Brandon Leake

Angela Maher (she/her)

Save Our Youth Education Manager

Angela has always had a passion for working with people in general and empowering youth specifically. She obtained her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a minor in Criminal Justice. Upon moving to Denver in 2012, she began working in various group homes and shelters for teens. She also worked with adults and families who were
experiencing homelessness and gained a lot of valuable de-escalation skills while answering Colorado’s state-wide crisis line. Angela transitioned into the mentoring world with Save Our Youth in 2015 and in her time there has been a Case Manager, Program Director, and is currently serving as the Education Manager. One of her greatest joys has been walking alongside young people she matched with a mentor in middle school and continuing to support
them through now graduating with their bachelor's degree. In her free time, Angela enjoys catching up with friends or getting out in the beauty of Colorado.

Ericka Porter (she/her)

Rise Up Training & Consulting CEO & Lead Consultant/Trainer

A proud Aurorite, Ericka Porter has eagerly worked to develop and inspire future generations early on in life. After graduating from Southeastern University, studying Youth Ministry, Ericka has come alongside urban and under-served students in various roles over the last 25 years. Her various professional roles have included leadership and advocacy in youth-serving non-profits, mentoring program design and management within
public education, leading DEI efforts and education, and full-time urban ministry.

Ericka currently serves as a technical assistance provider for Mentor Colorado with expertise in staff and mentor training, program evaluation and design, DEI implementation, and Gen Z engagement. Ericka lends her voice as a speaker and facilitator for various organizations such as Urban Youth Ministries, African-American Young Ladies Summit, the MomCo., Colorado Uplift, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, and DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative.

In 2022, Ericka took a significant leap to use her professional experience and passion to start Rise Up Training & Consulting, a company focused on supporting youth-serving organizations through effective collaboration, professional development, and program design. She deeply believes “there is no such thing as other people’s children”, inviting everyone into the collective responsibility for the young people in our communities.

Ericka’s presence brightens rooms and leaves you feeling seen and known. Her experience in speaking, facilitating, and workshop leadership has opened up opportunities to advocate for and champion the causes she loves. Some fun facts about Ericka, she is the oldest of 4 sisters, a sushi lover, a self-professed book hoarder, and relational at heart.

Mauryell Smith El (he/him)

Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization - Program Coordinator

Mauryell Smith El was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago where I learned how to navigate the real world. I graduated college from the University of Missouri - Columbia with a degree of Mass Media Communication. In college I was able to intern for ESPN, SEC Network, KOMU-NBC and more. After moving to Denver in June 2019 I started working with the Denver Post in August on their advertising team and covering high school basketball. After that I got some sales and marketing experience working with Google, Comcast and Salt Marketing. After the pandemic subsided I left the corporate world for the nonprofit realm. Since working in the nonprofit sector I became a Chess and African American History instructor. I've also been a member of the Moorish Science Temple of America since 2020 and Chairman of the Denver Moorish Science Temple of America since 2021.

Fryda Faugier Ferreira (she/her)

Manager of Programs and Outreach, Hands to the Future

Fryda Faugier Ferreira is a dedicated professional committed to enriching the student experience, ensuring that every student, regardless of their immigration status, receives the support and resources necessary for success in their post-secondary endeavors, whether academic or in the career/workforce realm. Fryda holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Denver, where she achieved a triple major in International Studies, Sociolegal Studies, and Spanish. As an experienced educator and passionate advocate, Fryda has founded Alate Consulting, a platform devoted to dismantling the barriers that hinder the success of undocumented and immigrant students in their post-secondary pursuits. Fryda strives to cultivate an inclusive and supportive environment through her work, empowering students to thrive academically and professionally.

Facilitator coming soon!

Aspen Chin (she/her)

The Lounge, Executive Director

I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and have experienced firsthand both the amazing things and the struggles of my city. I graduated from Overland High School, where I discovered my passion for serving and creating a space for others to be the best version of themselves. Unfortunately, this passion was ignited by a troubling experience I had with my AVID teacher. On the verge of my senior year, she looked me in the eye and asked, "What will happen to me? What happens if CU Denver rescinds my offer letter?" During my junior and senior years, I struggled greatly with my mental health and, like many young people, had few resources to even recognize that I needed help. My grades, social life, and relationships suffered as I navigated through my mental health challenges. From the last day of my senior year, I made a vow to never let anyone else experience what I went through. Young people deserve help, and adults are often the ones we turn to for that support.

Curtis Hearst (he/him)

Partners of Delta, Montrose & Ouray Executive Director

Curtis joined Partners Mentoring in 2013 as a case manager. In 2015, he was unexpectedly asked to take on the leadership role of Executive Director. As a young executive director, Curtis sought mentorship from directors of other Partners Mentoring Association programs. After several years of ‘fake-it-‘til-you-make-it’ management, Curtis has grown the organization to a staff of 11 and significantly increased financial resources dedicated to program support. As a director of a small organization in a rural community, Curtis is heavily involved with day-to-day programming as well as grant writing and administrative duties.

Curtis’s Colorado journey began in 2003 as he attended Western State College in Gunnison. While working as a fishing guide for several summers he continued his education earning a master’s in Communication and Public Relations. His writing skills, along with community connections, grew working as a news reporter and photographer in his current hometown, Montrose. He enjoys spending ample time outside with program youth, his wife Leah and two sons’ Bode and Garrett.